Louisiana House Bill HB165

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/25/11
• Refer: 4/25/11

Caption

Appropriates funds for payment of judgment in the matter of "Kenneth Morrison, et al v. State of Louisiana DOTD"

Impact

The bill's passage directly affects the state's budget and highlights the state’s obligation to settle legal judgments. By authorizing these payments, the bill ensures that the state meets its financial and legal responsibilities arising from court decisions. This appropriates a designated amount toward legal settlements, which can be a significant aspect of fiscal management within the state's budgetary framework.

Summary

House Bill 165 appropriates funds from the state general fund for the fiscal year 2011-2012 to pay a consent judgment related to the case 'Kenneth Morrison, et al v. State of Louisiana, DOTD'. The total amount designated for this payment is $33,000, which is distributed among multiple plaintiffs: Kenneth Morrison, Leon Morrison, and Latonya Lavergne. This legislative act outlines the specific distribution of these funds, indicating their appropriation from state resources.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 165 appears to be procedural and straightforward, as the bill deals with the appropriation of funds rather than introducing new policy measures. There may be some concerns about the implications of such payments on the state budget, especially in the context of previous lawsuits, but overall, it does not invoke strong controversy in legislative discussions.

Contention

While HB 165 is primarily focused on the appropriation of funds, the underlying issue of legal judgements and state liability can raise discussions about accountability and governance. Although it facilitates the payment to plaintiffs, it might also prompt scrutiny regarding the circumstances that led to the judgment. There could be broader discussions in legislative forums about how such judgments affect state resources and public funding priorities.